Construction slows drivers as new 70 mph speed limit begins

While speed limits may have reached 70 mph on rural interstates, local commuters may not notice for a while — since construction projects are underway in northbound and southbound lanes of I-77, as well as other parts of the state.

While speed limits may have reached 70 mph on rural interstates, local commuters may not notice for a while — since construction projects are underway in northbound and southbound lanes of I-77, as well as other parts of the state.

The speed limit was increased Monday on Interstate 77 just south of Canton, and remains 70 mph to the West Virginia border, said Ohio Department of Transportation District 11 public information officer Becky Giauque.

However, two large construction projects are underway from the New Philadelphia interchange to the Strasburg interchange and the southern- most part of the Guernsey County line to just south of Newcomerstown, she said.

“Most of the roadwork will likely be done this fall,” Giauque said. “However, the completion date is the end of year.”

That means the estimated 28,000 to 37,000 daily commuters in Tuscarawas County may have to wait a bit longer before they can take advantage of the increased speed limit.

The same is true for commuters throughout the state.

“This is prime construction time,” said Melissa Ayers, a spokesperson for ODOT.

Ayers said that ODOT crews have finished switching speed-limit signs throughout the state — 317 in total.

She said commuters won’t just experience change on the interstates. Ayers said the state budget, which was signed by Gov. John Kasich on Sunday, offers new possibilities for state roads, as well.

“There was a provision in the bill the governor signed (Sunday), that we will look at — not two-lane roads — but divided highways. There’s a couple different definitions we have to look at to see which qualify,” Ayers said.

She said the roads may be raised to 60, 65 or 70, depending on the type of road. Only the rural areas are being considered for raising the speed limits, Ayers noted.

Lt. Anne Ralston of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said state troopers are aware of the new speed limit and will enforce it. She asked Ohioans to be aware of construction season during this time.

“The reduced speed is for safety,” Ralston said. “It’s safer for the travelers and also for the workers out in the construction zone. You don’t want to hurt yourself and don’t want to hurt anyone else.”

The change also comes the same week as the Fourth of July.

Ralston said additional traffic is expected and asked drivers to make wise choices.

“We encourage people to make good decisions and make travel plans ahead of time if planning to drink. Don’t get into a position where you make bad decisions to hurt yourself or someone else,” she said.

Ralston added that if anyone suspects drinking, drug abuse or sees a crash or vehicle failure, to call #677, and a state trooper will respond or send local law enforcement.